Indian World Cup hero Yuvraj joins Abu Dhabi T10

Yuvraj Singh, one of the greatest players in the history of limited overs cricket, has joined the Abu Dhabi T10. The hero of India's 2007 World T20 and the 2011 World Cup-winning teams has been acquired by Maratha Arabians for a tournament that will kick off on November 14 at the magnificent Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE fans of the dashing India all-rounder will get to watch their favourite star bat on November 15 when the Maratha Arabians face the defending champions Northern Warriors in the opening match of the 10-day tournament.

Having retired from international cricket earlier this year, Yuvraj is now free to play in leagues around the world. The Indian cricket board doesn't allow active players to take part in foreign leagues.

Yuvraj, the first Indian cricketer to hammer six sixes in an over in international cricket, is excited about making his debut in the new format in Abu Dhabi.

"Playing in the Abu Dhabi T10 is a double joy for me because it will be my world T10 debut and I always enjoy the warmth and support of the passionate cricket fans there," the flamboyant left-hander said.

Yuvraj will join the likes of Australian power-hitter Chris Lynn, Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga, West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo in a team coached by Zimbabwean legend Andy Flower.

"It is an exciting new format to be part of. I am looking forward to joining forces with some of the world's biggest names in this league and representing team Maratha Arabians. It is going to be a thrilling time for the game of cricket. It's heartwarming to see leagues like T10 putting in so much hard work and offering such exciting format for sports enthusiasts," he added.

The 37-year-old Yuvraj, who enjoyed a strike rate 136.4 in his 58-match T20I career, is relishing the chance to bat in the shortest format of the game.

"T10 suits my character and style of play. With such short matches, every ball, every over is important and you're facing world-class competition every night so you've got to be ultra-focussed," he said.

"I hope Maratha Arabians fans and Indian cricket fans have already got their tickets because we're going to put on a show."

Aref Al Awani, general secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: "Yuvraj Singh is one of the game's undisputed superstars, and the confirmation he is joining the Abu Dhabi T10 is indicative of our city's status as a world-class sporting destination that attracts the best."

Maratha Arabians co-owner Parvez Khan said: "We felt confident after the draft that we had a powerful line-up that would challenge for the title. But now adding Yuvraj to a team with Lynn, Bravo, Zadran and Malinga really puts Maratha Arabians on another level in terms of competitiveness and fan appeal."

Co-owner and actor Sohail Khan said: "It's terrific to have a world class player like Yuvi in our squad. We have seen his exploits for India in various formats. He is a champion cricketer and has been one of the greats of the white-ball format."

Ali Tumbi, co-owner, added: "If you have the chance to add a player of Yuvraj Singh's calibre to your team, you do whatever it takes. I'm confident the fans will be pleased to watch him play against the other elite players in the Abu Dhabi T10."

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com